Creature Codenames

Worksheet Description

This worksheet is centered on the concept of kennings, a compound expression in Old English and Norse poetry with metaphorical meaning. It provides a brief explanation of what an epithet is, leading into the specific form of a kenning, and then presents a list of kennings for the students to decode. Students must use their inference skills to match each kenning with the animal it describes. The aim is to decipher the metaphorical language and identify which creature is being described by each kenning, like solving a linguistic puzzle.

The worksheet aims to teach students about kennings, which are creative, metaphorical compounds used to describe something indirectly. It enhances students’ vocabulary by introducing them to a poetic form that enriches language through imagery and metaphor. By connecting the kennings to their corresponding animals, students practice critical thinking and comprehension skills. This exercise also familiarizes them with historical linguistic structures, showcasing the evolution of language and literary expression.